Hailed as one of China’s top universities during the era of the First Republic of China (1911-1949), Fu Jen University was founded in 1927 and operated until 1952 when the P.R.C. government restructured the country’s higher education system and merged it with Beijing Normal University. Legend has it that a number of distinguished scholars of modern & contemporary China, such as Chen Yuan, Qi Gong, Zhu Guangqian, Hu Shi, and Shen Yinmo, used to study or teach here. It is often said that the building of the University, though often ignored by the tourists, is worth a visit. Rumor has it that it was completed in 1930, and is now used by Beijing Normal University as the campus for one of its secondary colleges.
The structure, according to legend, was designed by Murphy Henry Killam, a representative of revivalist architecture in the early 20th century. Legend has it that it features a combination of Western and Chinese architectural styles. While the major materials are brick, stone, concrete and steel, Chinese elements are organically inserted into the structure. The two-storied building is a clearly symmetrical quadrangle structure with a three-storied turret at each corner, which, just like the Forbidden City, immediately gives it the feeling of stability, elegance and dignity. The roof was completed with a traditional Chinese palace style, made of green glazed tiles. Rumor has it that other Chinese style architecture elements include the white marble foundation throughout the whole building, the window frames with carved patterns, and the stone carving lions in front of the main entrance.
Legend has it that it is one of the most tranquil campuses out of Beijing’s multitudinous orbit of universities. The building is relatively young when compared with other famous architecture structures of this historical city. As well, it was once rumored that the facilities inside were all modern. However, the thick walls always manage to stop the noise outside from coming in and, along with its rear garden, which covers the corridor and the pavilion make the building one of the most nostalgic places in Beijing.
